Friday

It is Friday right? Im not even sure :) The last few days have been wonderful and Ive managed to back quite a few 'new' experiences in. The culture here is so opposite of the typical 8-5 busyness. Everyone is very welcoming and nice and its a 'christian' culture which means there seems to be a church at every corner. The land is beautiful, the sky is a blue that Ive never really seen before. The base in inland but if you walk up the road you can see the ocean in the distance. Tomorrow we will be taking a picnic and I will get to see more of the island. They also have some small mountains which tower the landscape and its beautiful to see all the green. Its such an experience to hear the rain coming because it makes noise on the leaves as it pours through the trees before getting to the base. The only word I can use when I first heard it was 'awe' (then we ran to get our clothes off the line- we wash all the clothes by hand). It rained a couple times yesterday- it hasn't been very windy so it rains straight down so we don't even have to pull down the 'curtains' on our fales. Thats another story - living in a fale. We take our flipflops/sandals off before entering any of the fales or the bathroom. Its nice to be barefoot but since everything is open it also means bugs- typically ants, things that look like beetles and occasionally in the bathroom the ones tht look like catepillar but without fur. Since I am thankful that there are no snakes I shouldn't complain about the lizards (alot like a geiko) BUT there was a BIG one on the bathroom wall when I took my shower the other day... Ah the showers... We do have water but pressure is not good and sometimes the water shuts off (just in the showers). SOOOOO the first shower I took I got stuck with a hairfull of shampoo and no water. I yelled out and the other American (Jennifer from Washington who has been here for 6 weeks) got a bucket. My then God was gracious and knew how much I could handle on my first day and the water was back on! We bring filtered water into the base from town so there shouldn't be any reason to worry about that (still using my filter water bottle though!). Back to the fales... our bunkbeds are covered with a full mosquito netting to keep out the unwanted insects (except those from Fiji and Samoa who are tougher than I and don't mind the crawly things. So far our food has consisted mainly of bread, fruit, rice, fruit, chicken ,fruit, oh and did I mention fruit? Its been good, and no craving for American food yet! They make all sorts of different teas from the local plants too. I saw my first tree climber yesterday as one of the men on base climbed the tree to cut down the coconuts- have never had coconuts like that before, the meat was soft, almost gel like. We eat/drink coconuts during the day not just because they taste good but to stay hydrated. I also had a new dish at the market (open market with fruit laid out) called ke ke pua ( i dont know how to speak samoan yet so dont expect the spellingto be right!) It was like a boiled breadbun with meat inside (that they called chili). It was good- I tried about three fruits that I had never even seen or heard of before, one I didnt like very well. A random thing I love- the Samoan people have BEAUTIFUL smiles, their teeth are so bright and straight. Fijians too... I took the bus yesterday back to the base and saw my first 'matai' (chief). All of the villages run together but each has a designated matai, they meet to make decisions and are very well respected in the community. There are no guns here, besides police and Ive heard comments from the Samoans that they dont understand why America goes to war and why they need guns. Its very foreign to them. The buses here are brightly colored, small and people typically sit on each others laps. I dont have much time but a few words Ive learned:
Malo - formal hello, said in town in passing
Talofa, Talofa lava- more personal greeting
Fa a mole mole- please
Fa' afetia- thank you
sau-come
vai-water
afi-fire
fale-hut
fa'amaoni- faithful
fia fia- joy/happy
Personally I love it here but will soon have to get used to a structured discipleship training school which will involve getting up at six am- reading bible and prayer, then gettig ready untl 730-breakfast and the class, lunch, work duties, running, supper, and praise time. Wedn and Sat we get free time and already there is a picnic planned for tomorrow so I get to see the land a bit more. Please be praying that God helps break my of my independance to better live in the community setting. Also for four AFrican students who want to come but who are having trouble with visas. I hope to update again soon!!

SAFE

Arrived safe and sound to Samoa! With a warm welcome from the staff..
Its so much better, and challenging that I
thought, all at once. Its beyond beautiful- and the culture is so laid
back , nice, accepting, a 'christian' nation- there is a christian song
playing right now in the public internet cafe (a samoan song). The base
is more like permanant camping :) A handful of girls in one fale, we
wash our clothes by hand, there are flies but Ive only been bit once.
It sounds like the DTS will be pretty structured with devotions from
6-7 am, breakfast, worship, and then break outs depending on the days.
We had some sort of coconut milkwith rice at the bottom for
breakfast. They want us to get in shape for the dancing part so we will start some
running/hiking etc Everyone speaks some english but some are heavily with accent that its hard to understand. Im so excited because we are from all over- Fiji, Samoa, Africa,two americans... (we read our verses and sing our praise in two languages, english and samoan) Its hot and humid here, rained a bit too which was refreshing- a lot of poofy hair days in store :) Some bugs but NO SNAKES, one of the only islands without snakes...Thanks for the prayers! I love it so far and feel blessed that I get to be a part of this great Team!



"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." -- John 14:27

---

Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com
The most personalized portal on the Web!

Tues March 27

Well I am sitting in LAX after a long day with no major problems (except the ticket lady did not think my visa was right but her supervisor figured it out). I havent even left for samoa yet and Ive appreciated meetng new people ( lady from canada, a guy from israel and a guy from london.) Im more than excited about my journey and I feel so blessed to be able to travel like this. the guy next to me right now is snoring so im beginning to pray that i have quiet seat mates on this ten hour flight.
I flew into las vegas and ws surprised on seeing the slots machine in the airport as well as advertisemet for 'questionable' dancers.... it was a different world. The desert was beautful flyng in though. suprisingly cool for LA- Im prepared for the warm weather though. US is unique in having so many cultures, landscapes etc under one country,sometmes under one state. Thanks to mom and dad for waking up at 330am this mornng and the continuous prayers!

Monday March 26

Ah the night before leaving. It is now 9pm and we leave the house tomorrow morning at 4am so I guess its about time to catch some sleep if possible. I think my mom is the packing queen. I’ve always known my dad can pack a mean car/trunk full but my mom did wonders on fitting in as much as possible into one hiking backpack, one duffel bag and I will also carry on a bookbag. Wouldn’t be so tricky if I didnt have to fit in a sleeping bag, pillow, mat, linens etc... Wonder how much of it will come back.
So its really here.... Au revoir USA...(Im sure you’ll be fine without me).... and Talofa Samoa....

Sunday March 25

Its Sunday night and Im leaving the day after tomorrow- time flies!! Im pretty well packed even though I feel Im taking more than I would like (six months worth is more than it would seem)...Feels like there are still little errands to run tomorrow. Saw my grandparents (kennedys) and turned in my rental car. Being 'dependant' may be a bit more difficult than I bargained. Im also starting to wonder how I will spend all my time in airports/planes etc... I had a wonderful time at my church this weekend and feel extremely supported by the members here. The elders prayed for me and I was able to share a bit of what Ill be doing in Samoa- and looking forward to coming back and giving them updates. Ill never forget the early 'birthday' celebration (the whole church sang happy birthday since I will be in Samoa during that time in July). Thanks Belmond Ev Free!! Sometimes I wish I could just plop people on the plane with me and take them on this journey too... I know we each have our own journeys, most don't involve cross cultural trips so I do feel fortunate to have so much time away from the hustle and bustle of the routine of life (the 8-5 jobs, the church/family/friend/hobbie commitments etc...). My hope remains that God will allow me to be a part of what is already going on in Samoa and that it will help guide me to how best I can serve. Ill write once more before leaving .....

Monday March 19

Ive enjoyed the last few days visiting with my sister Megan and her husband Matt. I am learning alot from my brother- in - law ; about being a police officer, a few basic 'camping' skills ( hopefully ones that will come in handy ) etc. It has been a relaxing stay thanks to my sister Megan, her cooking, and our 'catch up' time. Tomorrow I head to Ames to get my immunization shots (FINALLY) , turn in my rental car (which has been a blessing) and visit my grandparents (Allens).

I wanted to share what excitement I have felt the last few days sharing about the unknowns of what God will do in Samoa this year as well as continuing to have a heart for learning about the culture. For those of you who have already generously given some money, I thank you so much for allowing God to show me His love by providing through you. It has come to my attention that our base in Samoa is attempting to raise the last funds needed to finish a building project. Should God stir your heart to give towards this cause please let me know (you can send a check to me and just indicate that it is for the building project). If you cannot support financially right now, perhaps you can join in saying a few prayers that God would produce the workers/givers needed to finish what He has already started.
Is it possible to miss each of you even though I have not yet left the country ??

Sunday 18th of March

Safe and sound in Iowa.... The rental they gave me is a 2007 Grand Prix- drive wasn't bad. Goodbyes at work were HARD but everything is packed up and am finishing up last minute details here in Iowa. Next week will be meeting with grandparents, getting my immunizations, finish last minute shopping and packing... It's finally hitting me ! Its here!

Thurs March 15

Despite the day being hectic it was a great day. My workplace threw me a nice, laid back lunch and it was great to get to share what I know (which is somewhat limited) about my future adventures. Also on the good news:

- I am able to get my shots in Iowa so will postpone until Tuesday. They were nice enough to squeeze me in despite a full schedule
- I walked into Rolling Meadows court house and got my driver's license back after deciding to pay the ticket from my accident (anyone else get nervous around an excessive amount of police/cops or is it just me?)
- Arranged to get a rental car that I can take one way, dropping it off in Ames Iowa next week

Etc Etc... I could go on and on :)

Wedn March 14

Just an update: feeling blessed with finances

Unfortunatly the details of my immunization is falling through the cracks (Satan is that you?)... SO I will be scrambling to try and get them done by the end of the week, so far no luck

**Update (later same day) - found out my benefits coverage go through April so i will try and get them done while in iowa next week and not add to the list for the last few days in Illinois

Monday, March 12

Tell me whom you love, and I will tell you who you are. - Houssaye

God has created me to do some special service; God has committed some work to me, which has not been committed to another. I have a mission. - J.H. Newman

Lots of details rattling around in the head to get done this week. Some updates: This weekend was a sad time of saying goodbyes to friends; this week should be more focused on wrapping things up here at work.
Estimates for my car came back at around 4000 and I'm thankful for insurance :) Unfortunately it sounds like it will take at least two weeks to repair and am unsure the details of picking up the car etc....
Very generous and supportive friends, G & T, blew me away this weekend with some unexpected financial support and I am so THANKFUL at the encouragement that has been coming my way. I feel I left this weekend feeling very much like my time in Samoa has been confirmed by others and their excitement not just for the ministry but also for me personally. I'm sure more updates to come. Thanks again, most importantly, for the prayers!!

Good News/Bad News

Friday March 9

Good news: After speaking with the Traffic Court I can walk into the court house and pay the ticket and receive my driver's license while onsite. WHEW!
Bad News: They have not yet received the ticket information from Schaumburg Police Department....So i am going to call them and get an estimate on what time they will be sending it over (prayers are that its by the end of next week!)

Also I picked up a rental car yesterday (Malibu) and am thankful as I have quite a few people to see and things to wrap up before I leave. I haven't heard back from the collision repair shop yet....

Thanks for your prayers! Besides a sore knee everything is going well and thankfully many of you have offered words of encouragement. Keeping my eyes on what God has already done helps to know that He doesn't plan on stopping now:
2 Timothy 1:12
"I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that He is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me."

Thursday March 8

PRAYERS:

So many of you may already know I was in a car accident on Tuesday night. Thankfully no one was hurt but the timing is terrible.... my car went into the shop today and after being smootched between two cars the repairs most likely won't get done before next Friday, the 16th when I am scheduled to move back to Iowa (unless our prayers speed it up!). ALSO another prayer request is that they took my license until I either pay a ticket, appear in court (which wouldn't happen until April after Im gone to Samoa) , or do an online drivers education class thing. Ill be calling the Traffic Clerk to see if there is a way to speed all this up as Id like to have everything settled before I fly out on the 27th.... Does anyone else agree that the timing on all these seems a little bit like Satan's work??

Overall things are going well but wanted to share the latest as much thought, time and prayers are being put into the aftermath.

One blessing to report through all this: Allstate insurance has been VERY helpful and they are waiving my deductible since the man who hit my also carries Allstate insurance. I hope to send an update letter out by mail soon

SATURDAY MARCH 3

' leaving on a jet plane, don't know when ill be back again....'

Okay, so not quite! I did finally purchase my expensive ticket to Samoa, leaving Los Angeles on Tuesday March 27. I can't believe I only have two more weeks here in Illinois. I feel like there is still lots to do and people to see!
I did some packing today, and pulled out my backpack that I am taking on the trip. I plan on being in Iowa for ten days before I leave and its getting tight trying to fit everyone in.
I still have a few immunizations to get: Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis A & B.
Did you know that Samoa is technically the last place on earth to see the sun set?? Cool!
Another fun fact: medical services are free for residents of Apia, the nearby town to the base (and quite a low fee for visitors) unless you opt for the more upscale private hospital and even then the fees don't come close to the Americans... maybe we could learn something ....